Thinking of Going Back to School

Discussion in 'Higher Ed' started by TheSamantha, Feb 2, 2014.

  1. TheSamantha

    TheSamantha Member

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    I went to Duke, but my degree is in English haha. I was depressed so I got my degree by the skin of my teeth. It has been totally useless. I have only worked in entry level jobs like administrative assistant. I have very few skills.

    I'm really sick of job hunting, interviewing, and waiting to hear back for embarrassing jobs like admin and receptionist.

    So I'm thinking of going back to school.

    Do you think I ought to keep looking for entry level jobs or go back to school?

    I figure if I go back, I'll have a better chance of securing a job because I would have acquired useful skills.

    I'm thinking maybe Computer Programming since that's in demand, but it sounds mind numblingly boring.

    I was thinking of finance and banking or accounting since I enjoy that to an extent and am pretty good at Math. But I heard that sector has tanked.

    I don't know what else I would go to school for. Nothing in liberal arts of humanities.

    Thoughts?
     
  2. Spectacles

    Spectacles My life is a tapestry Lifetime Supporter

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    Some universities offer education benefits to full time employees. That way you could have an income and get classes for free. At least that is what I did. I only paid for books etc.
     
  3. TheSamantha

    TheSamantha Member

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    Thanks. So that's one vote for going back to school?

    Others?
     
  4. ginalee14

    ginalee14 eternity

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    Maybe find your calling in life / purpose.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVsXO9brK7M"]How to Know Your Life Purpose in 5 Minutes: Adam Leipzig at TEDxMalibu - YouTube
     
    2 people like this.
  5. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    What can you see yourself enjoying until you are 70?
    What's the office atmosphere like?
    How large of a company do you want to work for?
    Do you want your own llc?
    Do you like work teams, or are you more a solo type?
    Are your a fantastic self starter or does structure help?
    Do deadlines encourage you or make your heart pound?

    Have you stayed anywhere long enough to get to executive assistant (and would you want it?)
     
  6. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    What an amazing talk.
    Simple, direct, but so much room to drill down.
    I loved the emphasis on others.

    So, I'm drumminmama
    I am a massage therapist. (And former journalist)
    I serve people who seek a better relationship within their bodies.
    They need better mobility, flexibility, less pain, less anxiety, better sleep
    They get their best self
     
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  7. I'minmyunderwear

    I'minmyunderwear Newbie

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    i'm starting to think nothing. as i get older, i'm realizing that i crave change too much to really enjoy anything for more than a few years at a time.

    oddly enough, hipforums is the one exception i can think of...
     
  8. bourne1978

    bourne1978 Members

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    Your lifestyle or living arrangement may play a role in your final decision.
     
  9. Logan 5

    Logan 5 Confessed gynephile Lifetime Supporter

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    Wow. I mean, like totally WOW! I loved that speech! He said some stuff that I never really gave much thought to. I always rotated around the first question, and how nosy people are, not realizing it's not about the first or second questions, but the last one. Because when you are done answering the last one, you already answered who you really are.
     
  10. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    So, something that is in flux, exciting and changing?
     
  11. I'minmyunderwear

    I'minmyunderwear Newbie

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    ^ do you mean hipforums or a career?

    either way, yes. but even then, i don't know, it seems like that's not enough. i've had jobs that were always changing, and they still get old just because they're still ultimately the same job. they're just interesting a little longer than the other jobs.
     
  12. Logan 5

    Logan 5 Confessed gynephile Lifetime Supporter

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    Do it! And you have my moral support, too! Going back to school is tough. But you have the persrverance to do it.

    As for career vs. degree, just because you get a degree in it does not mean that you will do it for the rest of your life. BTW the finance & banking industry is always hiring.
     
  13. TheSamantha

    TheSamantha Member

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    The finance and banking industry is always hiring? I thought that sector had tanked.
     
  14. Mattekat

    Mattekat Ice Queen of The North

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    Do it! It would be better to pick something you like, not the mind-numbingly boring one though.

    I'm also thinking of going back to school right now. Guelph university offers all of their horticulture classes online so I wouldn't have to move there to take them!
     
    1 person likes this.
  15. TheSamantha

    TheSamantha Member

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    What's horticulture?
     
  16. TheSamantha

    TheSamantha Member

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    That video helped me realize that instead of going in the direction of social worker/therapist, I have a passion for international languages/cultures. Thanks for posting it.
     
    2 people like this.
  17. Mattekat

    Mattekat Ice Queen of The North

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    Basically plants and how to grow them!
     
  18. Pieceofmyheart

    Pieceofmyheart Grumpy old bitch HipForums Supporter

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    I say go for it! I love school, love learning new things.I was an dental hygienist for close to 30 years. Now, I'm a massage therapist, went back to school 4 years ago and love it!
     
  19. Vanilla Gorilla

    Vanilla Gorilla Go Ape

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    How to know your life purpose in 5 minutes

    The video is 10:33 minutes long



    In his opening example, 20% that were happy were the ones that studied literature and history, the ones that went to college for the sake of learning rather than self gain.....he is basically just saying the ones that started with low expectations werent disappointed
     
  20. Vanilla Gorilla

    Vanilla Gorilla Go Ape

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    Every sector has tanked, there are an over supply of graduates, the value of all degrees has been diluted


    You mentioned computer programming, something you know you'd be bored silly with, you only consider it because of the money you think you can make. After graduation, with every job application, you'd be up against 50 young asian or indian guys/gals, at least 10% of whom actually get excited about programming, interviewed by HR people that will just assume asian and indians are prepared to work harder for less pay and just be more naturally inclined to that kind of thing.

    No one ever say it out loud, but thats the way the world really works. Add to that, it there is some way someone can get their buddy in, or a family member they will and the interview process for the other 49 is just an act. Or even though HR types will claim otherwise, one of the interviewees name drops, has some kind of experience with a current employee or subsidiary and they will favour that applicant even subconsciously.



    Its always more who you know than what you know
     

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